Support the Schomburg Center during our Centennial

Become a Member!

Join the Schomburg Center's monthly giving program by becoming a Schomburg Guardian. Schomburg Guardians provide consistent and reliable income that goes directly to support the Center's mission to collect, preserve and share the global heritage of people of African descent.

Your ongoing monthly contribution helps sustain the Center throughout the year. Each month, you will be charged the amount you select below.

Make a one-time membership gift | Make a fully tax-deductible gift

Support the Schomburg Center during our Centennial

Become a Member!

Schomburg Guardians directly support the Schomburg Center's mission to celebrate and preserve Black culture. As a special thank you, you'll also receive an exclusive tote bag!

Make a one-time membership gift | Make a fully tax-deductible gift

Field Is Required Select Monthly Gift Amount

  • Personalized special-edition Schomburg Centennial membership card
  • 10% discount at the Schomburg Shop, in-store and online
  • Access to the Schomburg Connection, our e-newsletter with regular updates on news, programs, and events

All Friend benefits, plus:

  • Invitations to members-only VIP events, like author talks and panel presentations
  • Two tickets to The New York Public Library’s annual Holiday Open House—the most festive event of the year

All Friend benefits, plus:

  • Invitations to members-only VIP events, like author talks and panel presentations
  • An invitation for two to The New York Public Library’s annual Holiday Open House—the most festive event of the year
  • Access to quarterly members-only Centennial Double Discount weeks at the Schomburg Shop
  • A special-edition Schomburg Centennial tote bag
  • Members-only access to the Centennial exhibitions, opening in May 2025
  • Exclusive members access to the Schomburg Centennial community event in summer 2025

All Centennial Guardian benefits, plus:

  • 20% discount for LIVE from the NYPL and access to presale tickets
  • Special membership gift from the Schomburg Center
  • Two additional invitations to The New York Public Library's annual Holiday Open House, for a total of four attendees
  • Invitation for two to the annual Book Swap, where members share favorite books and get reading recommendations from NYPL librarians

All Patron benefits, plus:

  • Reserved seating at select Schomburg Center public programs
  • Four to attend the annual Friends Lecture Luncheon, featuring today’s most exciting writers and thinkers
  • Two additional invitations to the annual Book Swap, for a total of four
  • A tour of Treasures of The New York Public Library with a Schomburg Center curator

All Sustainer benefits, plus:

  • 10% discount on Schomburg Center space rentals
  • Gift a complimentary membership to a friend or family member ($100 Centennial Supporter)
  • Acknowledgement in the Schomburg Center member newsletter and The New York Public Library’s Annual Report
  • Two additional invitations to the annual Friends Lecture Luncheon, for a total of four
  • Small group research discussions with curators and scholars
  • An invitation to a Taste of the Schomburg Collections private dinner at the Schomburg Center or other venue

All Centennial Conservator benefits, plus:

  • Private, behind-the-scenes tour of an exhibition or research division of your choice
  • Complimentary Business Leadership Council membership, where influential executives and leaders discuss market trends, business strategies, and ideas*
  • Private tour during the annual Schomburg Center Open House
  • Opportunity to purchase tickets to the Centennial Gala in spring 2026

Membership benefits start at $5 a month. Benefits will be matched according to the level of the donation.

Membership Benefits

By choosing to not receive benefits with your membership, your gift is fully tax deductible and you will not receive a member card, invitations to events, e-updates, or be eligible for member discounts.

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If you prefer, you can donate by mail or phone:
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Membership Office • 515 Malcolm X Blvd • New York, NY 10037 • 212.491.2252 • schomburgsociety@nypl.org

The Schomburg Center is part of The New York Public Library, a 501(c)(3) | EIN 13-1887440 | Disclosure Statement